Farewell to a Foundation Leader

Music in Van Wert

As we end this year, we say farewell to the man who has called the shots
at The Van Wert County Foundation for the past 17 years. Larry Wendel
has held the position as Executive Secretary at The Van Wert County
Foundation since 1996, replacing Robert Games who had held the position
for nearly 20 years. In the time that Larry has overseen The
Foundation’s operations, we have seen tremendous growth in not only the
financial value, but also in the community impact. The scholarship
program has grown and is still one of the backbones of the Foundation’s
mission, helping local students with college expenses. In addition to
this, we have established the Fountain Park Summer Music Series, the
Sanctuary Music Series, the Niswonger Performing Arts Center of
Northwest Ohio, and most recently, the new location of the Wassenberg
Art Center.

During my tenure as Coordinator of Performing Arts for The Van Wert
County Foundation, Larry has been supportive and provided the means for
success. I can never thank Larry or The Foundation Trustees enough for
allowing me the opportunities to help make the performing arts more
vibrant throughout the Van Wert area. Behind everything we do in
performing arts, The Van Wert County Foundation has provided a quiet
assurance that we can make it work.

Larry will still be around to
help transition the leadership to a young and vibrant replacement in
Seth Baker. I am convinced that Seth will bring a lot of energy to the
position and with Larry’s wise counseling, will be a great asset to The
Foundation as well as the Van Wert community.

All of us associated
with The Van Wert County Foundation wish Larry the very best in
retirement and thank him for his years of commitment and outstanding
contributions!

Happy New Year to all and I look forward to an exciting year ahead at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center! FINE